The .300 AAC BLK: The Facts in Blackout and White

Top: .300 AAC BLK (7.62 x 35mm) 220 gr. Bottom: Standard NATO Green Tip M855 (5.56 x 45mm) 62 gr.

 
I've gotten alot of questions lately about the 300 AAC Blackout cartridge. I had read a good deal about it and had found some good resources on the web, but I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. I have, however, shot comparable 7.62 cartridges. After doing more research and scouring for more info, I wanted to post some of the better findings for you guys to use as future reference if you wanted to make the jump to the 300. Here's what I found:

• The system was developed to launch 30 caliber projectiles from the AR platform without a reduction in magazine capacity and compatible with the standard bolt.

• It's full power [115-125 grain] ammunition matches the ballistics of the 7.62x39mm AK, and eclipses 5.56mm with much higher-mass projectiles for a more dramatic effect on the target. This enables the shooter to choose subsonic cartridges for optimal use with a sound suppressor i.e. 220 grain Sierra OTM (open-tip match) bullets vastly outperforms a 9mm MP5-SD in penetration and long range accuracy.

• Ammo and brass prices are low - Remington 115 grain UMC ammo is $12.99 a box MSRP and it's not bare bones. It has waterproofed primers, crimped and cannelured open-tip match bullets, and a low-drag design.

• At 300 meters, the 300 BLK has 16.7% more energy than 7.62x39mm. Max effective range, using M4 military standards for hit probability, is 440 meters for a 9 inch barrel, and 460 meters for a 16 inch barrel. The 300 BLK from a 9 inch barrel has the same energy at the muzzle as a 14.5 inch barrel M4, and about 5% more energy at 440 meters [even though the barrel is much shorter].

• For hunting - think of it as like a 30-30 but from an AR. After you are done, you can remove your 5-round magazine and put in a 30 for plinking or home defense. For ammo, Remington has you covered with the Premiere AccuTip 125 grain.

• Want industry-wide support? Over 60 companies have already announced or sell products for the 300 AAC Blackout.

• Also, due to the high efficiency of the cartridge, less powder is used than 5.56mm, which results in a rifle that is a comfortable to shoot [even with a short barrel]. 

Here's a great link to a PDF version of an overview of the 300 ACC Blackout development, comparisons to other common ammunition, ballistics info, and host weapon system comparisons: 300 AAC Blackout Facts Sheet

I hope this answers some of the questions out there about the 300 AAC Blackout cartridge. Hopefully you'll learn a little bit more about ammo and ballistics from reading this...I know I did.

Cheers,
Brad

4x4 Hybrid Patch Panel Photos

New Kryptek L.E.A.F. Camouflage

Here's the new line of Kryptek's L.E.A.F./CAMO patterns give a new take on modern camouflage.  With their geometrical patterns, cross-blending and contrasting dark and light hues, L.E.A.F. is starting to really turn some heads. They have developed their products through research from Iraq and Afghanistan to birth a new breed of camo that provides a new level of concealment from the brush to the battlefield.

The Kryptek Highlander camo pattern is designed for the elite Soldier in transitional terrain with the purpose of improving stealth and enhancing survivability, ultimately increasing the lethality of the user. Kryptek camo patterns provide a tactical advantage to the Operator by reducing visual acquisition through the combination of proven camouflage concepts, scientific principles and field testing. The Kryptek designs incorporate proven principles of visual deception based on mimicry of foliage, animal, marine and geographic visual qualities. These principles have been combined with evolutionary concepts and fused with state of the art technology to offer the utmost in effective concealment in differing environments. Kryptek utilizes a multi-directional design to effectively conceal in a multitude of terrains that have either a lateral or vertical flow. The bi-level layering of the patterns incorporate background transitional shading and sharp random geometrical foregrounds to create a three dimensional effect that ensures the utmost in concealment at both close and long ranges. These components combined with colorations selected and matched based on input from testing and observations from Operators in the field make Kryptek Camo the ultimate in passive battlefield deception.

 Here's the full line, from desert to urban camo blends:

You can check out their entire line at www.kryptek.com.

Cheers,

Brad